Kettlewell’s of Retford JIL 7899 (A147 JTA) in Baldock – 1 Mar 1997 (346-4)

Saturday 1 March 1997 – Kettlewell’s Coaches of Retford JIL 7899, a Jonckheere Jubilee P90 bodied Volvo B10M, seen in the High Street at Baldock. The Jonckheere Jubilee P90 had a lower set seating area at the rear accommodating 9 passengers with the main seating area for 49 passengers set at a higher level.

The coach was new to Trathens Travel of Roborough, Plymouth in August 1983 registered A147 JTA. Acquired by Kettlewell’s in March 1986. In 2013 a major overhaul was carried out on this vehicle by Kettlewell’s and the current livery style applied which really enhanced its appearance. (Still on the road in August 2019).

The High Street in Baldock was once a very popular calling place for coaches travelling along the A1 Great North Road and had quite a number of cafes catering for travellers. As road improvements were made and the A1(M) Motorway opened Baldock ceased to be a calling point.